Tropical Grilled Pork Chops with Pineapple Salsa
Elevate your summer barbecues with these Tropical Grilled Pork Chops featuring a tantalizing pineapple salsa. This recipe combines tender pork chops marinated in a savory-sweet blend of pineapple juice, soy sauce, and spices, creating a delightful harmony of flavors. Grilling enhances the natural sweetness of the pineapple and onion, adding a smoky depth that perfectly complements the juicy pork. Serve these chops alongside a refreshing cold rice salad and finish the meal with a decadent cheesecake or ice cream sundae for the ultimate summer feast.
N/A
Servings
200
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pineapple juice
1/3 cup (freshly squeezed or canned)
Soy sauce
1/4 cup (low-sodium recommended)
Brown sugar
1 tablespoon (packed)
Vegetable oil
1 tablespoon (for marinade)
Ginger
1 teaspoon (grated)
Allspice
1/2 teaspoon (ground)
Hot chili flakes
1/2 teaspoon (adjust to taste)
Dry mustard
1/2 teaspoon (ground)
Pork chops
4 (3/4 inch thick)
Pineapple
12 ounces (peeled and cored)
Red onion
1 (peeled and sliced)
Mint
2 tablespoons (chopped, for garnish)
Lime wedges
to taste (for garnish)
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, vegetable oil, ginger, allspice, hot chili flakes, and dry mustard until well combined.
2
Place the pork chops in a marinating dish or zip-lock plastic bag. Pour in all but 1/4 cup of the marinade, ensuring that the chops are thoroughly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to enhance the flavors.
3
While the pork is marinating, prepare the pineapple and onion. Cut the pineapple into 1/2-inch thick slices and peel the onion. Slice the onion crosswise into 1/2-inch thick rings. In a separate dish, drizzle the remaining marinade over the pineapple and onion, letting them stand at room temperature for 20 minutes to absorb the flavors.
4
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
5
Once marinated, discard the marinade from the pork chops. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
6
Place the marinated pork chops, pineapple slices, and onion rings on the grill. Cook, turning occasionally, for 5 to 10 minutes, or until the pork is nicely browned on the outside and cooked through, and the pineapple and onion are caramelized and have grill marks.
7
Remove the chops, pineapple, and onion from the grill and transfer them to serving plates. Garnish with fresh chopped mint and lime wedges for an extra pop of flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
6.25g
Fat
13g
Carbs
14g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the flavor profile of the Tropical Grilled Pork Chops?
The recipe features a savory-sweet blend of pineapple juice, soy sauce, and spices, enhanced by a smoky depth from the grill and a refreshing pineapple salsa.
How long should I marinate the pork chops?
The pork chops should be marinated for at least 4 hours, though letting them sit overnight is preferred for the best flavor enhancement.
What ingredients are in the marinade?
The marinade consists of pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, vegetable oil, grated ginger, ground allspice, hot chili flakes, and dry mustard.
How thick should the pork chops be for this recipe?
This recipe calls for 4 pork chops that are approximately 3/4 inch thick.
What type of soy sauce is recommended?
Low-sodium soy sauce is recommended for the best balance of flavor in the marinade.
How do I prepare the pineapple and onion for the grill?
Cut the pineapple into 1/2-inch thick slices and the red onion into 1/2-inch thick crosswise rings.
Should I marinate the fruit and vegetables as well?
Yes, you should drizzle 1/4 cup of the reserved marinade over the pineapple and onion and let them stand for 20 minutes at room temperature.
What temperature should the grill be set to?
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat before cooking.
How do I prevent the pork from sticking to the grill?
You should lightly oil the grill grates before placing the meat and vegetables on them.
How long does it take to cook the pork chops on the grill?
Cook the pork chops for 5 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are browned and cooked through.
How do I know when the pineapple and onion are ready?
They are ready when they have become caramelized and show visible grill marks.
What garnishes should I use for serving?
Garnish the finished dish with fresh chopped mint and lime wedges for an extra pop of flavor.
Can I use canned pineapple juice?
Yes, you can use either freshly squeezed or canned pineapple juice for the marinade.
How many calories are in one serving of this recipe?
One serving of these Tropical Grilled Pork Chops contains approximately 200 calories.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides 14 grams of protein.
What is the fat content for this dish?
The recipe contains 6.25 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
There are 13 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Is this recipe considered spicy?
It has a hint of heat from 1/2 teaspoon of hot chili flakes, which can be adjusted to your personal taste.
What are some recommended side dishes?
It is suggested to serve these chops alongside a refreshing cold rice salad.
What dessert goes well with this tropical meal?
A decadent cheesecake or an ice cream sundae would make a perfect finish for this summer feast.
Does this recipe use fresh ginger?
Yes, it uses 1 teaspoon of grated ginger for the marinade.
What type of onion is used in the pineapple salsa?
The recipe calls for one red onion, peeled and sliced into rings.
What spices give the dish its unique flavor?
Ground allspice, ginger, hot chili flakes, and dry mustard provide the unique spice profile.
How much pineapple juice is needed?
The recipe requires 1/3 cup of pineapple juice.
Should I keep all of the marinade for the meat?
No, you should reserve 1/4 cup of the marinade specifically for the pineapple and onion.
Is brown sugar necessary for the recipe?
Yes, 1 tablespoon of packed brown sugar is used to add sweetness and help with caramelization.
How many ingredients are in this recipe in total?
There are 13 ingredients used in this recipe.
Can I use vegetable oil for the marinade?
Yes, 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil is included in the marinade ingredients.
Is this a good recipe for summer barbecues?
Absolutely, it is specifically designed to elevate summer barbecues with its tropical flavors and grilled components.
What should I do with the marinade after removing the pork?
Once the pork is ready for the grill, you should discard the marinade that was in contact with the raw meat.